Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lighting

It's a tricky time of year. Not only is the sun a rare commodity from November to March in Vancouver, but when it does appear, that warm and glowing orb is very low in the sky. I've got plenty of recent work to share, but my photography is being foiled by harsh lighting or no lighting and a pretty huge intimidation factor with my new camera.

The sun made an unscheduled appearance today after the weekend's torrential rains (rumour has it the clouds are gone for the next few days as well), so I had a little photo shoot on the kitchen table in the morning light.

You've seen these before in a pretty average progress picture. I attempted to photograph my house tape measures again, this time using my new Nikon on auto setting without flash and a 50mm 1:1.4 lens (as recommended by Sonja and seconded by the dude at the camera shop).

House tape measures
In full, but shaded, natural light

House tape measures
In full natural sunlight - look at those shadows!

I think shadows can be fun in some circumstances (especially when you're walking in late afternoon and the sun is low in the sky behind you, and your shadow is cast in front of you as you stroll up the road, rendering your body about 8 feet tall and skinny as a super model. That's when I admire my shadow and think smugly: girl, you look gooooood!). hehe.

Like in these pictures, where my stout little houses are casting shadows worthy of a four-story Manhatten walk up!

House tape measures

House tape measures

I've got SO far to go, learning how to use my new camera. Interesting that I should receive a note from Interweave about the release of this new book just yesterday. I immediately added it to my Christmas list!

If you've got a savvy sewist on your Christmas list why not whip up a house tape measure? You can purchase Laurraine's pattern here.

19 comments:

felicity said...

Looking gooooood. :)

Berene said...

Great experimenting. Looks like it works like a dream.

{Leila}Where the Orchids Grow said...

Love your sewing tape houses!!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

Oooh keep these photography posts coming, I have so much to learn about my camera and taking photos!

**nicke... said...

i am dreaming of a day when i have a super awesome camera! love the little sewing tape houses. i think the numbers on the door are great!

Edith Bieri-Hanselmann said...

These houses are so cute!
Edith from Switzerland

Patti said...

Wonderful houses! I have an amazing camera, but absolutely no skills to go with it! This book looks like something I could use. Maybe my brother, the photographer, will take pity on me!!

Amy Friend said...

That's such a cute pattern! And my tape measure would be harder to lose...Good idea!

Leanne said...

So nice to see the sun and those houses are very cute! I am still working on learning to use my less fancy new camera, your post is inspiring me to get on with it.

randi--i have to say said...

it's fun--but a little frustrating--learning to use a camera, isn't it? i have a basic knowledge, but i tend to wait for the sun to appear and then take the pic in a spot without the direct sun. i shoot in aperature priority and that helps bump up the light.

happy picture taking! and those houses are SUPER cute!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

All cool - houses, shadows and photos x

Katie B said...

Love the little cute houses! And I'm with you on the photos. It's really hard this time of year!

paulette said...

DANG CUTE!!!!
P

paulette said...

DANG CUTE!!!!
P

PinkGranny said...

Sweet...I love the little houses!

Carla said...

these are adorable!

Dianne said...

In case B is wondering it is on Amazon.ca for $15.64 Cdn. wink wink nudge nudge :0)
I love the numbers on the doors. Where the 7 is positioned it makes the door look like a little bird - so cute.
Who knew practicing with a camera could be so much fun!!

ania121971 said...

Sweet houses:)I like it:)

Unknown said...

those tape measures are too adorable!

i could use a photography lesson or two. i've been planning a one-on-one session with a local photographer for eons. craft blogging is just so photo-heavy, the small investment would be worth it. now I just have to find (or make) the time...